The most recent report into the council’s service has said that there is an ‘unrelenting focus on continual improvement’ from the new executive director of children and young people, Julie Daniels.
The report highlighted the ‘prompt and efficient’ responses received by children and their families from ‘experienced and confident’ social workers and managers in the multi-agency safeguarding hub (MASH).
Ofsted explained that any contacts and referrals are well considered and that this leads to the ‘timely’ identification of risk and support to vulnerable children and families.
It explained that, where possible, families and children are informed of the next steps in their case.
It also said that while most children’s consent for procedures is recorded, for those where consent is not given and a decision is made to overrule this, the decision-making rationale is not always explicitly recorded.
The report said: “Children’s risks and vulnerabilities are well understood by early help workers.
“Decisions made by managers to step up or down to early help services are appropriate.
“Early help assessments are timely and thorough and take relevant history and partner information into account.
“Thresholds within early help are appropriately applied, and help and support is implemented without delay.
“Social workers in the MASH understand the complexities and recognise the risks posed to children from domestic abuse.
“Social workers show curiosity about the nature of parental relationships, where there is coercion, control, or fear.”
Children are often seen quickly, and child protection enquiries progress in a timely way from the strategy discussion.
For most children, Ofsted said safety plans are discussed in visits to ensure that they are understood by families and include exploration of support networks.
However, Ofsted said this was not the case for all children, and that in a small number of cases, safety plans were not present on the child’s record.
Ofsted highlighted that the assessments of children’s needs were ‘detailed and thorough’ and included partner information, and the views of children and parents.
It said that visits to children are purposeful and explore a range of presenting issues, and that the observation of children in the family and their views are well recorded.
Ofsted criticised the out-of-hours support available to families and children, saying it is ‘inconsistent’ and that for some children, immediate safety planning is not clear enough or explicitly recorded on the file.
The report said: “Throughout all services seen in this visit, there is variability in the quality and recording of safety plans for a small but significant number of children.
“For these children, family networks are not involved in safety planning or contingency plans. This increases the potential for crisis-led decision-making in the future, if risk of harm escalates.
“The response to 16- and 17-year-old homelessness is less robust since the last inspection.
“Although joint assessment, visits and work are being undertaken to ensure children remain within their families or networks, children are not consistently made aware of their rights and entitlements or provided with the offer of advocacy.
“There is a joint approach between housing and children’s social care, and a revised protocol in place.
“Leaders recognise that this is not fully embedded, and work is underway to embed the protocol across the partnership.”
However, it said the council has an ‘ambitious’ Achieving Excellence strategy, which ‘signifies a lack of complacency’ and shows ‘drive and aspiration’ for people to receive the best care.
Cllr Shaid Mushtaq, Oldham Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised the swift, effective support our children and families receive through the dedication of our skilled practitioners and the strength of our multi-agency partnerships.
“I am incredibly proud of our teams, whose commitment has helped us achieve stability through investment in a permanent workforce and strong practice in keeping children safe.
“We know there is still more to do –including strengthening safety planning, decision-making records and out-of-hours support – and we are determined to deliver these improvements.
“Our priority remains clear: ensuring every child in Oldham is safe, supported and able to thrive. I want to thank everyone who continues to work tirelessly to make this possible.”